The moonlight over Big Bear Mountain was stunning, and the breeze was soft and gentle.
The rustling of the red leaves in the wind made a soothing sound, perfect for drifting off into a sweet dream.
Two tents were pitched close together, one behind the other, and it was well past bedtime.
Luke lay in the outer tent. Even though the lights were off and he couldn't see a thing, the darkness seemed to sharpen his hearing.
Yuffie was in the inner tent, a few meters away, but her breathing sounded so clear it was like she was right next to him.
It was just her normal breathing, but to him, it was oddly pleasant, like a soft breeze brushing across his heart.
He'd had a long, exhausting day, but Luke couldn't sleep.
Is she asleep? Should I check?
"Luke, you asleep?" Before he could say anything, her voice floated through the darkness, soft and clear.
"Not yet," he replied.
"Thanks."
"For what? I had a blast today too."
"For everything before. For being there for me."
Luke knew she was talking about the past few years when he'd looked out for her.
Back in 1997, she'd moved from Wutai to New York with her mom. Everything was unfamiliar—new place, new language.
As her classmate, Luke, feeling a bond as a fellow , helped her with the language barrier and settling into life there.
It wasn't some huge favor. Their friendship grew more because they just clicked.
"No big deal. Compared to hanging with those tough guys, I'd pick you any day."
She laughed. "Speaking of, those guys aren't easy to get along with. How'd you win them over?"
"At first, they didn't give me the time of day. So, I bought them food. You know, people soften up when you feed them," Luke said with a grin. "If you can't win their hearts, start with their stomachs."
What a terrible metaphor! Yuffie's ears turned a little red.
"Ugh, that analogy reeks of guy stink," she teased, mock-disgusted.
"Hey, it's all about equality now. It's not just guys who can win people over with gifts—ladies have that freedom too," Luke shot back playfully.
He wasn't crossing any lines with the joke. American teens mature fast, and stuff like "tasting the forbidden fruit" is no big deal around here.
Yuffie, though, was more mature and thoughtful than most her age.
"I've always had this theory," she said. "What if feminism is just a guy conspiracy to make it easier to chase women?"
"Oh? How's that?" Luke was intrigued.
"Encourage women to free their minds, free their bodies, live it up—everyone's happy. But doesn't that just lower women's defenses? Doesn't it make it easier for guys to get what they want?" she asked.
Luke thought it over and had to admit she had a point. "True, but that only works for the top-tier guys. Less competitive dudes would rather stick to old-school traditions to lock in a partner."
"So, do you support women freeing themselves?" Her voice carried a playful smile, even in the dark.
She's setting a trap!
If he said yes, she'd call him a sleaze using feminism to score points. If he said no, she'd peg him as a selfish, outdated jerk who objectifies women.
"Men and women shouldn't be out to take advantage of each other. Fairness and mutual respect are the foundation of any good relationship," Luke said, neatly dodging her trap.
"Fairness? Some people think, 'If fairness doesn't benefit me, what's the point?'" Her tone was sharp as ever. "I'm pretty cynical about human nature. I think most people are like that. How do you deal with them?"
Despite her beauty and talent, Yuffie's life wasn't all sunshine. Women can be jealous, and she'd probably faced plenty of hostility from other girls.
With her qualities, she didn't need to care about others' opinions. She could carve her own path, and a few dirty looks couldn't do real harm.
That's just how unfairly awesome her life was.
She was still young, a bit uncertain. In a few years, she'd outgrow these doubts, but big brother Luke decided to help her see it sooner.
"No matter how many times you turn around, your butt's still behind you. Whatever you do, someone's gonna have a problem with it. For some people, your very existence is the issue," he said.
"But does an elephant care what a mosquito thinks?" he went on. "For most women, just having looks is like winning the lottery. You? You're like getting an all-you-can-eat buffet in paradise."
She burst out laughing. "Am I that great?"
Luke caught her hint—she liked the compliments. Fine, I'll keep going. Flattering her doesn't cost a dime. Time to be Yuffie's personal hype man!
"I used to hear about beauty and brains going together, but it was just an idea with no face—until I met you."
"You're the kind of woman most guys take one look at and know they'll never have a shot with."
"Hahaha! Am I really that amazing? You're so over the top!" Her familiar laugh rang out again.
As her laughter faded, she tossed out another question. "So, are you one of those 'most guys'?"
Whoa! Alarm bells went off in Luke's head.
Another tricky question?
Say yes, and he'd sound like a spineless simp. Say no, and she'd hit back with, "So I'm not good enough, or are you just full of yourself?"
Women are naturals at this push-and-pull game. Guys who only swing straight pitches don't stand a chance.
"I'm one of the rare guys who truly appreciates you," he said smoothly.
"Tch, smooth talker," she scoffed, but there was a smile in her voice.
Luke was ready with his follow-up. "Haven't my actions over the years proven it?"
Thinking back, Yuffie's heart softened, and her tone warmed. "Alright, you've got some heart…"
"It's the least I can do to show respect for a goddess!"
"You're calling me a… goddess?" Her voice in the dark carried a mix of embarrassment and indignation.
Luke couldn't see her blushing in the darkness.
Then it hit him—calling a girl a "goddess" wasn't a thing yet. Right now, it'd only remind people of old poems where guys pine for unattainable beauties.
"Back in the day, even shallow women got called goddesses. For someone as stunning and brilliant as you, what's wrong with the title?" Luke laughed it off, playing dumb to smooth things over.
"No more of that! I can't handle that kind of flattery…" Yuffie let it slide, matching his vibe.
They both tactfully dropped the topic.
When you're young, you pretend to know everything, scared someone might think you're clueless. When you grow up, you pretend to be clueless about things you understand, knowing some things are better left unsaid.
It was late, but their chat only got livelier.
"Why is it that in crowded cities, people are physically closer but feel so far apart emotionally?"
"If people's hearts change so easily, is it even worth building close relationships?"
"Why do women start loving gold jewelry and bright red as they get older?"
"Who's worse—the preachy middle-aged types or the shamelessly flirty young guys?"
That night, they talked about everything—school, life, ideas, dreams—and felt their hearts growing closer.
Somewhere in the middle of it all, they both drifted off to sleep, not even sure when.
Just before dozing off, a faint song played in Luke's mind, hazy and soft:
"The promise we made growing up, so sincere, with endless memories to share…"
This time, I know for sure—you're not a love I'll let slip away.